California / Sierra County

Chapman

Closed — Closed for the season. The campground typically operates from June 14 through October 31, with most activity concentrated between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Reservations available through Recreation.gov.

About

Chapman Creek Campground is located along Highway 49 in Tahoe National Forest, eight miles northeast of Sierra City at an elevation where lodgepole pines and fir trees dominate the landscape. The campground is split into two loops containing 27 campsites total, with one loop overlooking Chapman Creek and the other bordering a small meadow. The mature forest canopy provides pleasant shade at most sites. The campground serves as a trailhead for the 2-mile Chapman Creek Trail and provides access to the nearby Pacific Crest Trail, making it popular with hikers and backpackers. The Lakes Basin area, about five miles from the campground, offers additional recreation with more than 30 miles of maintained trails open to hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. Sardine Lakes provides opportunities for boating, fishing, and swimming, with boat rentals available at Sardine Lakes Resort. Anglers will find rainbow and brook trout in many of the scenic lakes and streams in the area. The campground underwent logging operations in 2023 and is undergoing restoration. Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table, fire ring, and bear-proof food storage locker. Vault toilets are provided. Bears are active in the area and all food must be stored in the provided lockers. The campground is reservation-based through Recreation.gov, though some first-come, first-served sites may be available.

Directions

From Sierra City, drive 8 miles northeast on Highway 49. The campground is on the left side of the highway. From Sierraville, take Highway 49 south 14.8 miles. The campground is on the right side of the highway.

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